Reps drop Bill Seeking Jail Term For Those Refusing To Recite New National Anthem

“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024” – Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the highly controversial Counter Subversion Bill, which had sparked widespread outrage and opposition among Nigerians. The bill, which had been scheduled for its second reading, had been criticized for being draconian and anti-democratic.

The bill had proposed severe penalties, including fines of N5 million, 10-year prison sentences, or both, for individuals who refused to recite the national anthem, destroyed national symbols, or refused to pledge allegiance to the country. It also targeted those who took part in unauthorized protests, set up illegal roadblocks, or performed unauthorized traffic duties.

The bill’s provisions had been met with widespread criticism, with many describing it as an attack on fundamental human rights and freedoms. The opposition to the bill was led by civil society groups, human rights activists, and ordinary Nigerians who felt that the government was overstepping its bounds.

In response to the backlash, Speaker Tajudeen announced the withdrawal of the bill in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. The statement acknowledged that the Speaker had consulted extensively with stakeholders and had given careful consideration to the nation’s current circumstances.

According to the statement, Speaker Tajudeen’s decision to withdraw the bill was motivated by his commitment to listening to the concerns of the people and fostering unity. The Speaker recognized the importance of addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the House remains a truly representative institution.

The withdrawal of the bill comes as a relief to many Nigerians who had been worried about the potential implications of the legislation. The move is seen as a significant victory for human rights advocates and civil society groups who had been fighting against the bill.

In a statement announcing the withdrawal, Speaker Tajudeen’s aide said: “The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024.” The development marks a significant shift in tone from the government, which had previously defended the bill as necessary to maintain law and order.

The withdrawal of the bill is seen as a significant step towards restoring public trust in the government and promoting a more inclusive and democratic approach to governance. As Nigeria continues to navigate its challenges, this move is expected to be welcomed by many who had been worried about the potential implications of the legislation.